While Alan Ball has been better known in recent years for his TV shows -- True Blood, Six Feet Under and Banshee -- the writer/producer is shifting back to feature work for I Am Chippendales, which may include Ben Stiller among its stars. Stiller (Heavy Weights) is in talks to star in the film, which is said to be a "true-life story of how the male dance club became one of the most famous adult entertainment shows in the world."
If Magic Mike has taught us anything, it's that there's an audience for movies about male strippers. But it sounds like I Am Chippendales will go beyond the stage to dig into the founding and expansion of the Chippendales night club and the eventual controversy related to attempted arson, racketeering and murder-for-hire, linked co-owner Somen "Steve" Banerjee. Variety says Ben Stiller (Keeping the Faith), is in negotiations to play the role of Nick DeNoia, "the former choreographer/partner who helped conceive the idea for the dance troupe with Banerjee and attorney Brian Nahin." He also played a big part in expanding the act on a global level.
It sounds like an interesting role for Ben Stiller (Fresh Horses), but what does he really know about dancing? Let's refer to Starsky & Hutch...
And Along Came Polly...
OK, maybe Stiller's comedic disco and salsa dancing experience won't prove particularly useful with this new role, but we know Stiller (Duplex) is capable of handling drama as well as he is comedy, and with the premise of this film and Ball's involvement, I'd assume the genre would lean toward drama here. Not only is Ball directing, but he also adapted the script based on Rodney Sheldon's book, and he's also on board to produce.
As for Stiller, the actor's been keeping busy both in front of and behind the camera. Last year, he directed and starred in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. And coming up, he's set to reprise his role as Larry Daley for Night at the Museum 3. He also has a part in Noah Baumbach's While We're Young, which is due out next year. It'll be interesting to see who joins him among the cast of I Am Chippendales.
